Short answer: Temple Restoration Paints mixes these cans to factory Volkswagen red and maroon colors, matched by L-code. Each is a 16 oz aerosol of 1K single-stage, high-gloss automotive enamel, $70.00 a can. There are 30 reds here. Pick your code from the Color menu or from the table below.

L53 Sealing Wax Red is the red most people come here for: the lower body color on the split-window Bus, 1950–1965, under L472 Beige Grey. It comes two ways. L53 New is the fresh factory shade, for a repaint. L53 Patina is matched to original paint after decades of sun, for blending a floor, a jamb or a repair into faded paint.

Find your code first. It is on the M-plate or paint tag. Look it up by code, name or year on our VW paint codes page, or call the shop at (657) 438-7002 and we will check it with you.

Mixed to order: Every can is mixed to order for your color code. Allow 2–3 business days before it ships.

How it ships: Ground only, to the lower 48 states and DC. Aerosols can't go to AK, HI, US territories or outside the US. Local pickup at the shop in Orange, CA.

What's in the can

Each can is mixed to one factory VW color, listed by the same L-code and name the factory used. It is for air-cooled and Vanagon owners doing real work: a door jamb, a replacement panel, small parts, or a repair blended into original paint.

It is a 1K single-stage enamel: color and gloss in one coat, no clear coat. It is UV protected against fading, and once cured it wet sands and buffs to match the gloss of the paint around it.

Check the model before you buy

Many of these reds were only ever used on one model. A Ghia red will not be the right red for a Beetle, even when the names sound alike. Match the code on your car, not the name.

• Bus only: L53 Sealing Wax Red and L555 Titian Red (split-window), L30H Montana Red and L31H Chianti Red (Bay Window).
• Karmann Ghia only: L259 Pelican Red, L354 Cardinal Red, L553 Henna Red, L554 Cherry Red.
• Type 3 only: L650 Granada Red.
• Beetle Cabriolet only: L258 Inca Red and L54 Poppy Red.
• Vanagon only: LB3V Titian Red Metallic, LH3D Marsala Red, LY3D Tornado Red.
• Two Titian Reds: L555 is the 1966–1968 Bus red. LB3V is a later Vanagon metallic. They are different paint.

Reds & Maroons in this listing

Years are model years. "Years not confirmed" means we could not match that code to a dated factory source. Call the shop before you order one of those and we will look into it with you.

Other color families: Blues & Turquoise · Greens · Whites & Ivories · Greys, Silvers & Black · Beiges & Browns · Yellows & Oranges.

How to use it

1. Clean and degrease the surface. Sand, and prime bare metal or repairs with a compatible automotive primer.
2. Shake the can well. Spray a test card and check it against your car in daylight before you paint the panel.
3. Lay down several light, even coats rather than one heavy one, with flash time between coats per the can label.
4. Let it cure fully, then wet sand and buff to blend the gloss into the paint around it.

Follow the directions and safety information printed on the can.

Specifications

• Brand: Temple Restoration Paints
• Paint: 1K single-stage, high-gloss automotive enamel, UV protected
• Can: one 16 oz aerosol
• Price: $70.00 per can
• Lead time: every can is mixed to order for your color code; allow 2–3 business days before it ships
• Shipping: ground only, lower 48 states and DC; cannot ship to AK, HI, PR, GU, AS, MP, UM or VI (aerosol)

FAQ

How do I find my VW's paint code?
Most air-cooled VWs carry the factory L-code on the M-plate or paint plate: under the front hood, behind the spare tire, or on the body tag. Later models have it on the data sticker in the trunk or in the service booklet. Pick the matching L-code from the Color menu.

What kind of paint is Temple Restoration Paints spray paint?
A 16 oz aerosol of 1K single-stage, high-gloss automotive enamel. It is UV protected and needs no clear coat.

Will it match my existing paint?
Each can is mixed to the factory VW color for that code. Old paint fades, so spray a test card and compare it in daylight before you paint the panel. Once cured, it wet sands and buffs like any single-stage enamel to blend into the paint around it.

Why are there New and Patina versions of some colors?
Only L31 Dove Blue and L53 Sealing Wax Red come in New and Patina versions. New is the fresh factory shade; Patina is matched to original paint after decades of sun. Every other code is one factory shade.

How long does it take to ship?
Every can is mixed to order for your color code. Allow 2–3 business days before it ships.

Is the price per can?
Yes, $70.00 for one 16 oz aerosol can. Order as many cans as the job needs.

Can spray paint ship by air or overseas?
No. Aerosols are regulated as hazardous for shipping, so these cans go by ground only, to the lower 48 states and DC. They cannot ship to AK, HI, PR, GU, AS, MP, UM or VI, or outside the US.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Contents under pressure and flammable; use only with adequate ventilation.